Microblading 101- From 'No Brow' to 'Ohh, Wow' #Blessed

Okay, first thing’s first, WHAT in the world is MICROBLADING? Webster's Dictionary (I would assume), defines it as- "Verb: A blessing for your brows". Other common names for the Microblading procedure are- “Brow Feathering”, “3D Brows” or “Eyebrow Etching”. All of these are Semi-Permanent brow tattoo'ing! Now, I know, I know- tattoo you say? No thanks. But hold UP girl, get back here. When I say SEMI-Permanent, I mean it! We all remember, and/or have lived to see the infamous 80’s/90’s eyebrow tattoos, and all of their unrealistic awkward glory, but I PROMISE this is different.

What makes Microblading a smart and effective choice for eyebrow filling?

Well, first of all, lets get back to how big of a life decision this is. Tattoos normally = big life decision. You go into this knowing it will be there essentially the rest of your life. That's a SUPER scary commitment to make when it comes to your eyebrows, or better yet, your FACE in general! But don't worry guys, this isn't your typical prison-tear-drop-face-tat. With microblading, you are only committing 1-3 years of this desired eyebrow style. Eyebrow styles are always changing, and lets be real babes, they’re basically the highlight of the beauty industry right now. I once (and by once, I mean I’ve done this honestly a few times) put a HAIR CONDITIONING MASK on my eyebrows… when the actual hair on my head had been in the same top knot for the last 5 days. I’m gross, deal with it. It's called PRIORITIES, and I happen to think mine are V well placed.

How is Microblading different than a standard tat? What makes it "semi" permanent?

The tool used for microblading is much different than your standard tattoo procedure. Microblading is NOT done with a tattoo gun. It also doesn’t go as deep into the skin as a typical tattoo. Pigment will be etched in only as far as the epidermis. Because of this, through natural, manual and/or chemical exfoliation- the pigment will be slowly exfoliated away over the years. This procedure is all done with the use of a special etching “blade”. This blade, is actually made up of about 6-18 tiny micro needles! It is also a handheld tool which makes the brow feathering light, and precise! Being able to create individual and fine hair strokes, allows this to be the most realistic method to eyebrow filling!

Who is Microblading for?

Everyone! Well, almost. I’m not going to blade your 12 year old pageant daughter, but, you get it. (Also, check the "Contraindications" list below to make sure none of those apply to you!) Not to toot my own horn, but I really pride myself in my natural eyebrow game. They’re thick and shaped *almost* exactly how I love them. However, do I still fill them in when I do my makeup? Of course! I like them a little more square in the front and of course my left one never wants to arch as beautifully as my right. So, although my brow game is pretty strong, I still filled a few parts! Yes I microbladed myself, Yes I know I am crazy and YES, I did not sleep the first night after I did it because I kept opening my front camera to admire and smile at my eyebrows.

This is also IDEAL, and basically made for all of you beauties that were a victim to the 90’s over-plucking. AHHHH! Why was that ever a trend!? I’m SO sorry to those of you who plucked your little hearts out and are now sitting here in 2017 wondering why the F your brows look like skinny little frowns. I’ll tell you why. They’re sad. Sad and wanting to fit in with all the other trendy brows. Sometimes you just need to accept that your brows are a Nada in a sea of Prada. Sure, this service can be pretty pricey.... but ladies, come on, this is the CROWN for our eyes!!! I mean, have some respect for the Queen and bow to dat brow girl. This isn't just incredible for anyone just looking to perfect a shape though. BLONDES who are wanting their brows to stand out more or show at all will love this service!

Contraindications to getting the service done

(This is mega important to know before booking a service guys!)

[Source: GotBeauty]

• Pregnancy • Breastfeeding (treatment is possible, though anesthetic will not be possible) • On keloids or if you have tendency to keloid, birthmarks or moles. • Diabetic. • Serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders (doctor's note is required) • Circulatory disorders (doctor's note is required) • Any bleeding disorders (doctor's note is required) • You're taking blood thinning medication • Currently on Accutane or other strong retinoids (must wait until 6 months after treatment ends) • If any skin diseases symptoms or irritation appears on the area. • You've recently had Botox or Disport treatment (must wait 2 months) • Old PMU • You have a broken capillary in the eyebrows area • If you have a sunburn. • After waxing (must wait 3 days) • After chemical peels (must wait two weeks)

How does the initial appointment go?

So first, you must know, Microblading is a TWO part process!!!

*1st Appointment: First and foremost, we will need to figure out what color and shape we are going for. This first appointment is usually 2-3 hours. The longest part, believe it or not, is creating a shape to fill! Microblading is VERY precise! I’m not just going to draw on some eyebrows, ask you if you like it, and start filling in. Your face will be measured for accuracy, and every part of your brow will be measured and mapped out. We want to make sure the start, arch and end of the brow on the left and the right side are symmetrical. You may get restless during this part, but trust me babe, you’ll thank me later!

After your face is lined up, and the brows are outlined to your preference, blading can begin!! This part takes around 30-75 minutes, depending how much fill is needed. Numbing cream is used to make the experience more comfortable, but it really isn’t brutal! The tool is fine enough and the pressure is light enough to make this procedure as painless as possible. Depending on pain tolerance, most people can tolerate the procedure pretty well! If you're having a hard time dealing with the pain, just keep repeating "brows on fleek, brows on fleek, brows on fleek" over and over in your head, girl. You got this.

*There are a total of 2-3 passes done in the first session. The 2nd and 3rd passes are “refills” to ensure there is enough pigment in each stroke, along with making sure all bare areas are filled! Then, BAM! You have yourself a set of new beautiful brows! Like, you can officially go swimming…. and still have eyebrows. Do you know how many new possibilities have just entered your life?

*What to expect after your First Microblading session

It’s important to know that everyone heals differently. Some people are ready to show off their new brows almost instantly, with even minimal redness! However, this doesn’t apply to everyone, so please plan appointment accordingly and don’t make big plans for the next 24 hours! Typically, pigment will appear to be darker the following day, this is normal since the pigment still hasn’t settled into the skin yet. Through skin regeneration and natural exfoliation, the recovering area will begin light peeling and flaking. This healing process will also make your brows appear to be fading quickly, but that’s not necessarily the case. Once healed (2-4 weeks), pigment is pushed back into the upper layers and your final look is almost complete! The possibility of losing etched hair strokes through healing regeneration is also a possibility after the first pass. Not always, but this is another reason that a second appointment is usually necessary.

*2nd appointment: This appointment is done 4-8 weeks after your 1st blading appointment. This appointment should be quicker than session #1. This is to do an extra pass through all of your new hair strokes to ensure longevity (making your new bold brows last around 2 years!), as well as ensuring enough pigment was deposited into the skin the first go around. The second appointment is not "crucial", but if you want your new beautiful brows to last longer than 12-18 months, you’ll definitely want to book this!

These are three perfect examples of what Microblading can do! (Not my pictures, yet! but you can find all of my work here---> Before and Afters ) Picture one- Creating a shape. Picture two- Permanent damage to hair follicle fill in. Picture three- Bolding up the curse of the blonde brow!

POST-CARE

Which, speaking of swimming^^^….. you better not for the next 2 weeks! If you’ve ever had a body tattoo of any sort, you’ll know how this game goes.

[Source: cosmetictattoostudio.com]

•Healing time is a standard 7-10 days.

•Let any dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking can cause scarring.

•New skin forming causes the area to appear lighter at first during this period of time. Do not rub, pick at or scratch the area.

•Avoid brow makeup for 14 days after application.

•Absolutely no excessive sweating (from work/exercise) for 7-10 days while healing.

•Avoid sleeping on your face for the first 2 weeks to protect area.

•You will be supplied with a light ointment to apply to the brow each morning and night.

•Absolutely no makeup, skincare products, or sunscreen on treated area for two weeks.

•No facials, chemical treatments, and/or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks after.•Healing time is a standard 7-10 days. •Avoid washing your face directly in the shower head for 2 weeks to protect area.

It's important to remember that everyones bodies heal differently, as well as accept pigment differently! Following this post-care will ensure the safest healing and allow the pigment to stay as fresh as possible with minimal fading. Always be cautious and do your research! Other than that.... getcha fleek on ladies!